When the Navy or Merchant Marines no longer need a ship but wish to reserve it for future emergencies, they tow it to storage harbors, empty it of all fuel and cargo, and seal its windows and doors. The ship is protected from salt-water corrosion and the interior spaces are dehumidified. This technique is called “mothballing,” much like preserving a wool sweater when put away for the summer.

That was the fate of many of the Victory ships used during and after World War II. Produced to replace the slower Liberty ships, Victories served their purpose as faster emergency ships for the U.S. Maritime Commission but were eventually no longer necessary.

One hundred seventy of the ships were sold. Twenty were loaned to the U.S. Army. The rest sat quietly dormant, “mothballed” for future use. Some were reactivated during times of national crisis, including the Korean War, the Suez Canal closure of 1956 and the Vietnam War. Others were retained as logistic support ships for the Military Sea lift Command.

Preserving the Legacy

However, the years soon passed and many of the ships in the reserve fleet were sold for scrap, their metal recycled. Of the thousands of Liberty and Victory ships that once graced the sea only a small number remain today. Among them are the Lane Victory in San Pedro, CA, the American Victory in Tampa, FL, and the Red Oak Victory in Richmond,VA.

Chelsea Clock: A Proud History of Service

During the 1940s and beyond, Chelsea Clock supplied thousands of mechanical clocks to the U.S. Military for use aboard both Victory and Liberty ships, as well as on submarines, destroyers, cruisers, battleships and aircraft carriers. In fact, in 1943, Chelsea was one of the few companies presented with the prestigious “E” award by the U.S. Government in recognition of manufacturing excellence for its production of military clocks.

Today, Chelsea Clock continues to produce a vast number of mechanical and quartz timepieces for installation aboard U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine ships, as well as on numerous military and peacekeeping vessels. In addition, Chelsea Clock offers the Patriot Deck Clock and Radio Room Clock, authentic quartz reproductions of original military timepieces used by the U.S. Government.

The Vintage Victory Collection

Collectors and military aficionados are able to share in the Victory story by adding an authentic Victory ship clock to their boat, home or office. Chelsea Clock has reclaimed over 80 marine mechanical clocks previously installed on Victory Ships built by the U.S. Maritime Commission during World War II. These authentic military timepieces, produced for the U.S. Government in the 1940s, are being returned to optimum working condition by Chelsea’s certified Repair & Restoration technicians. As each piece in the Vintage Victory Collection is restored, it will be made available for purchase on this site.

I have a Chelsea clock that was my fathers and given to me several years ago. Dad worked in the Bethlehem Steel Ship Repair Yard in Baltimore for 41 years, including the years of WWII. I believe this clock was from a ship that came through the yard during the war or right after the war. I can’t find any similar clock faces on any websites. The face cover screws off and the numbers are decimal (1, 2, 3…). It only has one key hole in the lower center and a speed dial on the right side about 2:30.
The serial # on both the inside works and the back of the exterior brass housing is 313066. The face says “Chelsea Clock Co. Boston” on the upper half and “U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION Serial No. 5069” on the bottom. Is there any way you can determine when it was issued and to what ship it was issued?

According to our records, the 6” marine mechanical clock you describe (serial number 313066), a screw brass case and bezel with U.S. Maritime Commission on the dial, was sold to the U.S. Maritime Commission on August 24, 1942. Unfortunately, we do not have information on which ship it was installed. However, you may wish to contact the U.S. Maritime Commission for this information.

I have a Chelsea 6″ marine mechanical deck clock with the serial number 376218, the face says “Chelsea Clock Co Boston” It has a sweep second hand. Can you tell me anything about it, such as date of issue and what ship it was on? Thank you for your help. Aloha, Bill Hayes (Hawaii)

The 6” Marine Mechanical clock you describe (serial number 376218) was sold to Avondale Marine Ways, Inc. on August 6, 1943. Unfortunately, we do not have any further information regarding the ship on which it was installed. You may wish to contact the U.S. Maritime Commission for further details.

I have a Brass Case, Screw on bezel, Serial number L298371. The dial says US Maritime Commission. Is this the type that would have been on a Liberty Ship since it is early WWII? Also, approximately when did Chelsea begin putting these into Bakelite cases? My thought is that was mid 1943 when brass was quite scarce.

For serial number 298371, our record book indicates that this piece was sold to South Portland Shipbuilding Company on April 16, 1942 and it is listed as a marine mechanical clock (no bells). It may very well have been installed on a Liberty ship, but you may wish to contact the U.S. Maritime Commission for further information. You are correct about the switch from brass clock cases to phenolic (or black resin); this happened around the beginning of WWII when metal was more scarce (due to the high demand for war efforts). Also, because many clocks were installed on ship decks, the military favored black phenolic cases, as they were quite durable against salt and moisture – plus they didn’t reflect light (as brass cases did), which might be seen by enemy ships.

I have a Chelsea Clock, 6″ marine mechanical clock, white face with minute hand, F/S dial on right side of face with 24 hour time also, stamped says U.S. Government, Ser No. and there is no number listed. Have no key, found this in my deceased father’s, retired US Navy, items. What can you tell me about this clock? Suspect it is post WW 11 vintage???
Thanks

Thank you for writing to Chelsea Clock. There should be a serial number etched into the back of the clock case. We would need this number to reference the year of manufacture and any other information that may be in our records. Thank you.

As a U.S. Marine who served on Navy battle cruisers, incl. the USS Columbus (CA-74) , USS Helena (CA75) and USS Worcester (CL-144 , I stood many hours guard duty on the bridge and “con” and so vividly remember the daily,routine request made by the Quartermaster to the Captain: “SIR, REQUEST PERMISSION TO STRIKE EIGHT BELLS. To which the Captian woud repoond :”MAKE IT SO!” I soon learned the significance of this time-honored routine request–in that the control of the ship’s chronometer (a Chelsea) was so vital to the ship’s navigation prior to
develpment of Loran and, later GPS. That Chelsea clock was wound by the same sailor’s hand at the very same hour–for ultimate accuracy. Yet, the Navy still heldd the tradtion: ‘SIR, REQUEST PERMISSION TO STRIKE EIGHT BELLS”.

Thanks so much for sharing your story here. We certainly appreciate hearing from you and thank you for your service as a U.S.Marine. I am sure friends of Chelsea Clock enjoyed reading about this fine Navy tradition!

I am researching a Chelsea ships clock for a friend, and was wondering what you might be able to tell my about it. It is a about inches diameter, and on the back is the number 711790. Thank you for your time and information.

For serial number 711790, our log book indicates that this 8 1/2″ Marine Mechanical Clock was originally sold to Samsel Rope & Marine Supply Company on June 30, 1967. I’m afraid this is the only information we have for this timepiece. I hope this is a help.

I have a Chelsea radio room clock with a brass face in black phenolic case. All the pictures I can find online have a face that is painted with red but mine is painted black around the edges and in the times for radio silence. There is a number scratched into the back of the clock – 475521. It appears that the clock hands have been replaced with a decorative hour and minute hand. Can you tell me if this is an original or a reproduction? Thank you.

I have an 8 1/2″ clock with serial number 710130. I was wondering if you could provide the exact name for this clock and any information about its provenance. Also, what size winding key does this clock use? Thanks in advance for your time.

I have a 9 inch, black face, black phenolic case, mechanical deck clock, 24 hour format, with a second hand with a crescent moon. On its face the clock is marked Chelsea Clock Co., Boston above the centerpost, and US Navy, Ser. No. 85209E below the centerpost. On the center of the back is embossed Chelsea Clock Co., Boston, in raised letters, and above this legend is crudely scratched into the finish 489676. Can you tell me anything about it?? I appreciate any information you can give me. Thank you, Allen Watkins, Yakima, WA

I have an unusual Chelsea clock, serial number 302924 (movement and case).
The case is heavy brass, but black. Hinge is at “12 o’clock” position and there are two electrical posts on the case at about “4 o’clock” . On the dial, there is a “hacking switch” outside of the 2 o’clock position. The dial is not metal, but appears to be an early plastic-like material: it is black with what look like old glow in the dark Arabic numbers, with “Chelsea Clock Company, Boston”
Serial numbers date to WWII era, and design is that of a ‘Zig-Zag’ clock, but Demeters’ “Chelsea Clock Company, the first 100 years” says that such clocks would have bakelite case and dial marked with Navy during that time.
Can you provide any other information?
Thanks very much!
Davy R. Seattle, WA

Hello,
I have an 8-inch, 24-hour dial, “U.S. NAVY” ship’s clock in a black phenolic case.
Sadly a previous owner tried to strengthen the numbers with gold and silver paint.
Serial number on dial 84781E. SN on movement 346174, as well as 12E 1966.
Qs:
– In having this dial repainted, what color paint?
Versions I see look cream (aged white?). I also sometimes see what appears to be glow paint on the hand spades.
– Were the hands – or any of the dial characters, rings, etc., done in glow paint?
– What is appropriate for this clock at this period of production?
I’d like to do a true and proper job.
Thank you so much,
Mike Capkanis
Altadena, CA

I forwarded your questions to the technicians in our Repair & Restoration facility. Here is what they advise:
The model of clock you described is not one that would have used luminous or glow-in-the dark material. So if it has a black dial, the dial numerals would have originally been bright white, and may have yellowed or become dirty over time. So the proper coloring should be white.
Please let us know if we can provide any further information.

Hello there. My grandmother recently gave me my late grandfather’s U.S. Maritime Commission Chelsea clock that I have always liked for my birthday. It is a 6.5 inch black clock (with the window closed-the back of the clock is larger in diameter) with a brass dial and black numerals. The serial number etched into both the back of the case/housing and on the inside works is 447760. Can you please give me any information you might have about this clock? I would very much appreciate it!

Also, what would be the proper method of contacting the U.S. Maritime Commission to request information about what vessel this particular clock was installed on? Thank you very much!

I left a comment here 3 weeks, 5 days ago, according to this page, asking about the original buyer and date of purchase, along with any other information you might have, regarding an old U.S. Maritime Commission Chelsea clock that I recently received as a gift from my grandmother, with the serial number 447760. Other descriptive information about the clock is in my previous comment on this page. Could you please get back to me with the requested information as soon as you can? I sure would greatly appreciate it!

I also asked what the proper method of contacting the U.S. Maritime Commission would be in order to request additional information about the particular vessel(s) my clock was installed on.

Thank you in advance for the requested information, and thank you for your time.

Our sincere apologies for the delay in responding. Serial number 447760 was sold to the United States Maritime Commission on June 28, 1944 and was listed as a 6″ marine mechanical clock. I’m afraid this is all the information that we show in our manufacturing log.

The U.S. Maritime Commission website, http://www.archives.gov/research/, may be the best place to start to request more information regarding the ship in which the timepiece was installed.

Thank you for contacting us at Chelsea Clock. Good luck with your search!

Thanks for your note. Unfortunately, the number you mention (#79863 e) is the government assigned serial number for the clock, not the serial numbered issued by Chelsea Clock. We would need the Chelsea Clock movement serial number, located on the brass back plate of the clock’s movement. It will have the following markings: Chelsea Clock Company- Boston, USA – and it should be a six-digit number. To gain access to the movement back plate, remove the three larger screws around the outer edge of the dial and the plastic trim ring (if your clock is equipped with one). Hold the clock case upright and gently tilt the case forward to release the dial and movement assembly. The markings should be on the brass back plate of the movement. Also, look on the back of the clock’s outer case to see if the same six-digit number is scratched into it. Email us with the number you find on the movement, and we should be able to provide you a range of four years in which the movement was made and sold.

According to our manufacturing log book, serial number 30766 was sold to Ball Watch Company on October 12, 1907, and is listed as a 2 3/4″ automobile clock. Unfortunately, this is all the information available for this serial number. Thanks!

Thank you for your note. Replacement winding keys are available for purchase on the Chelsea Clock website under “Accessories” – http://www.chelseaclock.com/pl/clock-keys. Unfortunately, we do not see an entry about serial number 424037 in our official log book. At times, orders placed by the U.S. Government for several Chelsea clocks are not individually recorded. We regret that we do not have further information.

I have a Chelsea ship clock s/n 577515 scratched into the case and on the movement.
The clock face is black, white numbers with luminous dots covering the outer white rectangle and triangle five minute markers. It is a 12/24 hr type, vertical regulator, with a circle of inner minute dots with 13 through 24 around it. It has U.S. Government on the face. The sweep second hand is not the half moon type and may have been replaced with non standard hand.
Is this a Type B dial face on a Model 11E clock? If not, what is the Type and Model?
Thank you for any info you can provide.

According to our log book, serial number 577515 was sold to the Imperial Upholstering Company on September 30, 1952, and it is listed as an 8 1/2″ marine mechanical clock with multi color dial (or as some refer to it, a sector dial). This type of clock was primarily used by the Air Force. However, the upholstering company may have simply purchased a number of the clocks for display or give-away purposes. Unfortunately, we do not have further information. Thank you.

Hi! I Recently became the proud owner of a fine Chelsea timepiece! It is a 24 hour white face about 8 1/2″ across. Black phenolic case with the serial number 848946 on the back that matches the movement case inside. It has Chelsea Clock Company Boston on the top of the face and US Government on the bottom. I would like to find out any information you may have on it. Did all these clocks go on ships or were they used on land as well?

We have a 12″ Chelsea clock, serial #22454. I didn’t see that serial number in the listings but the ones near it were dated 1906-7. It belonged to my husband’s grandfather and my husband seems to remember that the company changed out the case during the war to use the brass. Can you tell me anything more about the clock? It looks like it has been converted for electric use.

Hello,
A friend asked me if I could find out anything about a Chelsea ships clock he has ..It was given to him by his grandfather who worked for Sun Ships Co. I believe in Philadelphia..Serial number 531827..Any information would be appreciated…

I just bought a Chelsea Clock at a yard sale. It says U. S. Maritime Commission
The back of the Bakelite case has several numbers etched into it witch are difficult to read. 79671-c or 6. 455593 19804C. B-6902
The back of the works has a stamped number. 455593
Please provide any information that you have for this clock including dates and ships that it may have been on. Thank you

Can you give me any info on a Chelsea Clock, U.S. Govt., 12 hour face, black resin case, serial nr. 844277. It is not a WW II clock. It had “12EI-1983 on the back brass plate. I think I got it at a govt auction while stationed in Hawaii. Also any info on how often to wind, I believe some were daily & some were weekly. I really enjoy reading your blog. Thanks
Larry C.

Could you please provide any information sites where I might trace the age & provenance of a Chelsea U.S. Navy Clock? The serial number is: 82763E. Any assistance you can provide is most appreciated. Thank you.

We have a black 8 1/2″ deck clock, with serial number 664742 scratched into the back. Would you able to help us determine what year it was manufactured? Any other details you might have would be greatly appreciated. Best!

Is this the serial number from the back of the backplate/movement or is it the Navy serial number from the front? We will need the Chelsea serial number from the back to look into this clock’s origins. Thank you!

I have a wall clock that has the Chelsea name on it. It also has the US Navy on it but no serial #. I do have the key that goes with it. I was told it came off one the older ships just not sure which one. Since it doesn’t have a serial # I am suspicious also. What can you tell me about it if any thing.
Thanks. PHarris

Hi Lindsay,
I am assuming you are talking about taking the plate off that is inside the clock that has the hour #’s on it, not the back of the clock. I am afraid to do that, afraid I might break it. Thanks for your help. I’ll just wait and be surprised where it came from.

Elaine,First of all, I think I'm the world's slowest runner (when I ran). Now my knees are on the fritz so I walk briskly. Anyhoo, my husband just gave me the new Chris Tomlin Christmas CD and I can't wait to listen to it!!Pausing to truly contemplate the babe in a manger is truly awe inspiring, isn't it. He did this for us. Remarkable!

I have a 6 inch Chelsea clock us Maritime Commission serial number 420137 was interested in finding out some information about this clock it is in amazing working condition and it was my grandfather’s he was a captain any information provided by you would be greatly appreciated thank you in advance

I have two Chelsea mantle clocks, both Babro #31 from 1915-1919, one ships bells; one house bells (#106611 & 129560). The mahogany cases don’t match, and have both obviously been refinished over the years. I would like to get them back to original and matching – or close to it. The only description I can find regarding the original finish is from the 1923 catalog, where it is described as “Mahogany Cases, dark dull finish.” Can you tell me how these were originally finished (oil, shellac, lacquer, etc.) and how I might best approximate that finish today?

I would also appreciate any other information you can provide about these clocks. Thank you.

Thanks for your interest in restoring your clocks to their original brilliance. Our master repair specialists should be able to help you with that. Here’s some information about Chelsea repairs and restoration: http://www.chelseaclock.com/p/repair-restoration/
You can submit a repair request through the website or give us a call at 617-884-0250 to speak with someone about your clocks. Thanks again!

I am the editor of this blog, but not an expert on every single model we’ve produced over the past 100+ years. I’m sorry you felt my response to you was “canned,” I was merely trying to put you in touch with someone who could help you. Since I don’t have the original clocks in hand, and we are talking about a model that’s 100 years old, I would be lying if I told you I knew how that particular model’s base was finished a century ago. You mentioned we hold a monopoly on repairs – that’s not our intention, nor is it true. We are aware of other clock specialists who will service Chelsea Clocks, but since we are a small operation that does everything by hand, we merely can’t endorse the work of anyone outside of our factory walls. I’m very sorry you found my response unsatisfactory – it was neither canned nor insincere. Wishing you the best – Lindsay

What’s the best way to remove several coats of paint (not sure what type of paint probably oil based from the bakelite? I’ve just had my Chelsea clock restored to it’s original state and now I’d like to get the bakelite back to its original condition/color. It’s a mid-1940s vintge ships clock with the screw case.

As a veteran of the US Navy, I was given as a gift, a Chelsea Ships Bell clock from a friend. Serial Number 407529. It is a black case, black face, clock with white hands and numbers. It is in full working condition. It would be great to find out any history I can about it.

Serial numbers with an E indicate that this is a military serial number and not the Chelsea Clock serial number. Our serial number should be on the back of the backplate. If you can send that serial number to me directly at lindsayt@chelseaclock.com, I can check out our records books and get back to you with any info we have on your clock. Thanks so much!

I have a Chelsea clock that was given to me by a retired U.S. Navy Chief. He said it was from the bridge of the USS HULL (destroyer) Below center on the face it says U.S. Government and has the number 820129 however, on the back of the clock, right above the “Chelsea Clock Co. Boston” there are numbers that look like they were also scratched on by hand, like the ones on the face. But, these numbers are 820806 I’m wondering if you can tell me anything more about this clock? Thank you.

Hi Lindsay! What a great site and source of information you are offering. Just reading your questions and answers has taught me much! I found a Chelsea clock at a garage sale and am fascinated with the history that I have gleaned from researching the history of these clocks. It says “Chelsea Clock Co. Boston” “U.S. Maritime Commission” on its 6″ dial It is in a black bakelite type case. Embossed on the back of the case is “Chelsea clock Company Boston.” I never would have realized that the scratched numbers on the back of the case meant anything without your site. The numbers scratched on the back of the case are 382004. Can you tell me anything about the history of this clock? The word “maritime” is also scratched on the back of the case and another word that I cannot read.

Hello Lindsay,
I just read through all of these comment’s and must commend you for responding with the info many were seeking. I can certainly understand the possible future business that is generated but it truly is a rarity in our present fast paced society where the dictates of satisfying boards and shareholders has relegated customer service to the bottom rung and you are to be applauded.

If you would be so kind to entertain my own query of my 1st original Chelsea that I was fortunate enough to pick up today when it availed itself at a local “junk dealer” his proclamation not mine. Ha Ha.

Clock specific’s:

●Black case with 6″ Silver dial with black numerals
●Dialface has U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION
SER NO. 7363
●Movement stamped 336060 with identical number scratched into back of case
●B6902 molded into inside bottom of case

This clock remarkably started running after putting a wind to it and has continued running as of this writing. Any history of purchase would be greatly appreciated and I have noted your response to others about contacting the Maritime Commission for possibility of determining ship placement. This clock unfortunately was seperated from it’s original key and I also noted that y’all offered modern replacements but was curious if originals were also obtainable from Chelsea or if I would have to seek one from other sources.

I have a black 6″ Chelsea Clock from Boston the serial number on the back says 613792. My dad was career military and I got it when he passed October of 2015. Any information would greatly be appreciated.

Hello. I have a Chelsea U.S. Navy clock with naval serial #74287E. The case is 268529 and the movement 421067. I was told that it was not unusual for Navy clocks to have mismatched cases and movements. Technicians lined up clocks for repair and then housed them in available cases. Is this true? Is there any information on this movement. Very appreciative of your help and this excellent blog.

HI have a Black ships clock made by Chelsea Clock Co. Boston. U. S. Maritime Commission . My grandfather gave it to me many years ago. It came off a navy ship. It is approximately 6″ round, the front comes unscrewed to set the time with a wind up key. I believe the serial number scratched on the back is 475047. I was wondering if you could give me any information on this clock. it has a white face with black numbers.

Dear Sir,
I have recently retired (Major USMC) and I was presented with an old Navy ship clock. The clock is a 1943 WWII U.S. Navy War Ship clock with the following information Chelsea Clock Co. of Boston serial number 76378E. Any information you may be able to provide me regarding this clock will sincerely be appreciated.
Any historical information you can provide including, the Navy ship and the final disposition of the ship.
Thank you,
Sam Pisacreta, Major USMC Retired
.

I received a clock for Christmas there is no serial numb on the face, but on the brass plate inside it says 430847. On the interior of the casing it say B6902. Can you tell me what I have? The face say US Maritime Commission.

Hi- I recently picked up a Chelsea Clock Co. 24 hour dial clock in bakelite-Serial 3473064. The dial has no identification but for a silver tag 1.5″ x .5″ with the number 85108E. The body, door, interior, and exterior were all painted over the bakelite in a flat silver color. I am trying to figure out what type of ship this was used on between 1945-49. Any help is appreciated.
tmw

I have a us navy Chelsea clock serial # 47122E that was my grandfathers then handed down to my Dad who passed away 10 years ago and my Mom gave the clock to me and I can’t find out any info on it . Any info would be of great help thank u